Coyte returns to Adelaide

Former Australian bowler Sarah Coyte has returned to the Adelaide Strikers, signing on for two seasons.

Coyte joined the Adelaide Strikers for WBBL|01 and WBBL|02 before retiring from cricket in early 2017 to focus on her health, moving back home to New South Wales.

A medium-pace bowler and handy batter, Coyte made an exciting comeback to cricket at the end of WBBL|03 when she played in four matches for the Sydney Sixers, including the side’s title-winning final.

Ironically, Coyte joined the Sixers as a replacement player just in time for two minor round fixtures against the Strikers, where she returned to her consistent best, taking 2/14 and 3/18, claiming player of the match honours for the latter.

Sarah Coyte WBBL highlights

She then went on to take 2/32 in the semi-final against the Strikers at Adelaide Oval, followed by 3/17 against the Scorchers in the final, where she was again named player of the match.

“I’ve been working really hard to find balance in my life over the last year or so and I feel I’m in a great place both physically and mentally,” said Coyte, who played four Tests, 30 ODIs and 47 T20Is during her international career.

“Now there is no pressure on me for national selection, I’m able to train and play well because I want to, not because I feel I have to.”

Coyte believes the cohesion within the playing group is obvious, particularly with new captain Suzie Bates last season helping the side to their first finals berth since the competition’s inception.

“I’ll be very pleased to be playing on the same team as Suzie, she seems like she has been such a great addition to the team, on and off the field,” Coyte said.

“I love the environment offered at the Strikers – it’s such a fun and competitive group and I’m really excited to get back out there. Everyone enjoys each other’s company and they’re all so easy to be around.”